Job 11

1 Then Zophar the Naamathite answered and said,

Then Zophar the Naamathite made answer and said,

2 “Should not such a multitude of words be answered? Should this man, so full of talk, be believed?

Are all these words to go unanswered? and is a man seen to be right because he is full of talk?

3 Should your boasting make others remain silent? When you mock, will no one make you feel ashamed?

Are your words of pride to make men keep quiet? and are you to make sport, with no one to put you to shame?

4 For you say to God, 'My beliefs are pure, I am blameless in your eyes.'

You may say, My way is clean, and I am free from sin in your eyes.

5 But, oh, that God would speak and open his lips against you;

But if only God would take up the word, opening his lips in argument with you;

6 that he would show you the secrets of wisdom! For he is great in understanding. Know then that God demands from you less than your iniquity deserves.

And would make clear to you the secrets of wisdom, and the wonders of his purpose!

7 Can you understand God by searching for him? Can you comprehend the Almighty perfectly?

Are you able to take God's measure, to make discovery of the limits of the Ruler of all?

8 The matter is as high as heaven; what can you do? It is deeper than Sheol; what can you know? (Sheol h7585)

They are higher than heaven; what is there for you to do? deeper than the underworld, and outside your knowledge; (Sheol h7585)

9 Its measure is longer than the earth, and wider than the sea.

Longer in measure than the earth, and wider than the sea.

10 If he passes through and shuts anyone up, if he calls anyone to judgment, then who can stop him?

If he goes on his way, shutting a man up and putting him to death, who may make him go back from his purpose?

11 For he knows false people; when he sees iniquity, does he not notice it?

For in his eyes men are as nothing; he sees evil and takes note of it.

12 But foolish people have no understanding; they will get it when a wild donkey gives birth to a man.

And so a hollow-minded man will get wisdom, when a young ass of the field gets teaching.

13 But suppose that you had set your heart right and had reached out with your hands toward God;

But if you put your heart right, stretching out your hands to him;

14 suppose that iniquity were in your hand, but that then you put it far away from you, and did not let unrighteousness live in your tents.

If you put far away the evil of your hands, and let no wrongdoing have a place in your tent;

15 Then you would certainly lift up your face without a sign of shame; indeed, you would be steadfast and would not fear.

Then truly your face will be lifted up, with no mark of sin, and you will be fixed in your place without fear:

16 You would forget your misery; you would remember it only like waters that have flowed away.

For your sorrow will go from your memory, like waters flowing away:

17 Your life would be brighter than the noonday; though there were darkness, it would become like the morning.

And your life will be brighter than day; though it is dark, it will become like the morning.

18 You would be secure because there is hope; indeed, you would find safety about you and would take your rest in safety.

And you will be safe because there is hope; after looking round, you will take your rest in quiet;

19 Also you would lie down in rest, and none would make you afraid; indeed, many would seek your favor.

Sleeping with no fear of danger; and men will be desiring to have grace in your eyes;

20 But the eyes of wicked people will fail; they will have no way to flee; their only hope will be a last gasp of life.”

But the eyes of the evil-doers will be wasting away; their way of flight is gone, and their only hope is the taking of their last breath.